Ormal

Ormal's merchant citizenry carry warm tan to light brown complexions, shaped by the western peninsula's mild coastal climate. Dark brown hair worn in practical styles is the norm, though the oligarchic merchant class favours more elaborate grooming as a marker of prosperity. Builds lean toward medium and well-maintained rather than martial. Hazel and dark eyes predominate. The republic's wealth is visible not in ornamentation but in quality — fine cloth, well-made boots, and the understated confidence of people who know the price of everything in the harbour.

The Senate of Ormal is composed of the 100 wealthiest families; seats are hereditary but can be purchased by new wealth. Two Suffetes are elected annually by the Senate — one manages civil and trade affairs, one commands the military. A Council of Elders (30 senior senators) holds veto power over Senate decisions.

Citizens below senatorial rank may vote in assemblies, but their votes are advisory — the Senate decides. Wealth equals power, explicitly and legally; this is written directly into the founding charter with no apology. Military service is mandatory for full citizenship, though wars are fought by professionals wherever possible.

The capital, Ormalport, is the Republic’s seat and primary trading port. The legal system is highly sophisticated, particularly in contract and maritime law — trade dispute resolution is an elevated art in Ormal, and the quality of Ormal’s commercial courts draws merchants from neighboring nations to resolve disputes here.

Religion in Ormal is civic rather than personal — the gods are patrons of the city, worshipped collectively for commercial prosperity. Pragmatic foreign policy: Ormal will ally with anyone commercially useful and reconsider when profit demands. The Republic’s western coast position makes the Maritime Republic of Tidereach a natural commercial partner.

Neighbors include the Empire of Urudu to the north, the Maritime Republic of Tidereach to the south, and Cheyenna to the east. The landlocked Cheyenna depends on Ormal for trade access to the sea, which gives Ormal quiet leverage in that relationship.